The Hour of Great Mercy

By Marc Massery

Turn to any page of St. Faustina’s Diary, and you’ll find spiritual gems. Like this one:

I remind you, My daughter, that as often as you hear the clock strike the third hour, immerse yourself completely in My mercy, adoring and glorifying it; invoke its omnipotence for the whole world, and particularly for poor sinners; for at that moment mercy was opened wide for every soul. In this hour you can obtain everything for yourself and for others for the asking; it was the hour of grace for the whole world — mercy triumphed over justice (Diary, 1572).

I have a challenge for you.

Set a timer on your watch or on your phone for 3 p.m. every day. When your alarm goes off, immerse yourself in Christ’s mercy, if only for a moment. Jesus promises that “in this hour you can obtain everything for yourself and for others for the asking" (1572). 

During this hour, mercy triumphed over justice. It’s when Jesus died for our sins on the Cross. Christ especially asks that we pray for the conversion of sinners at this time. 

When Jesus says that during this hour He will obtain “everything” for us, He means everything, as long as it’s in accord with His will. This qualification doesn’t take away from Christ’s promise. If His will for us is love and mercy itself, why would we want anything not in accord with His will? 

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus talks about this hour of His. He frequently says that His hour has not yet come, or that His hour is at hand. So it makes sense that He would talk about this hour to St. Faustina, too. We frequently implore Christ and the Blessed Mother to be with us during our hour of death. Why shouldn’t He want us to be with Him in His? 

So next time the 3 o’clock hour comes around, remember to be with Christ in spirit, if only for a moment. Don't forget that during this hour, the Lord wants you to ask for your heart’s desire, for everything you need. When you do, trust that He has your best interests at heart. 

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

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